Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole
Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is a hearty, comforting pasta bake layered with tender ziti, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s an easy family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Marinara or pasta sauce
- Diced tomatoes (optional)
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook briefly.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes if using, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Mix the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta and top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta and meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley or basil and serving.
Notes
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Substitute penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli if needed.
- Cottage cheese can replace ricotta.
- Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
- Reheat covered with a splash of marinara sauce to keep the casserole moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cheesy-baked-ziti-casserole/
